Vocational Nursing Program – Wharton APPLICATION DEADLINE Last Thursday of March
PLEASE READ ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION PACKET TO ENSURE ELIGIBILITY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
Program Information
The Vocational Nursing Program at the Wharton Campus is a prescribed course of study with both classroom and clinical experience designed to prepare the graduate to function as a member of the nursing team by providing basic nursing care. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to make application to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and the Jurisprudence Examination for the state of Texas.
Upon obtaining licensure as a Vocational Nurse in the state of Texas, graduates are likely to find career opportunities in settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, residential care facilities, physicians’ offices, clinics, home health care, hospice care agencies, and schools.
The Wharton County Junior College Vocational Nursing Program in Wharton is fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, 333 Guadalupe, Ste 3-460, Austin, TX, 78767-0430.
Course of Study
The Vocational Nursing program is a fast-paced program of study requiring students to have study skills, test-taking skills, and time management skills when they begin the program. Classroom study covers basic nursing concepts and patient care-related subjects, including anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing,
pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, and the administration of medications. Clinical practice takes place in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. The course of study is 12 months.
The first semester consists of 22 semester hours with 8 separate courses of study. Students will be in the classroom 5 days a week for seven hours per day. Three courses are completed in the first eight weeks and three courses are completed during the second eight weeks. In addition, two courses are taught and
completed throughout the fall semester. Experience in the clinical setting starts in November and continues until the end of the semester.
The second semester consists of 21 semester hours with 5 separate courses. Three days a week will be spent at clinical facilities and the remaining two days are designated for classroom instruction.
The third and final term consists of 9 semester hours with 3 separate courses.
This intensive course structure covers 51 credit hours in a 12 month period. It is recommended that students, if at all possible, not work full time during the program as daily study time is encouraged and required in order to be a successful student.
For those applicants who have been out of school for several years, or who are unsure of their study skills, test-taking skills, or time management skills, we highly recommend that you take the course PSYC1300. Admission Requirements
The Vocational Nursing Program in Wharton has limited enrollment. Because enrollment is limited, not all applicants meeting the admission requirements can be accepted. In addition to the admission requirements for the College the following are requirements for admission to the VN Program in Wharton:
1. Admission to WCJC: Applicants must meet the admission requirements to Wharton County Junior College. Admission to WCJC is a separate process from admission to the nursing program. Applicants must be eligible to register for courses at WCJC in order to be considered for admission to the VN program.
2. Texas Success Initiative (TSI): Applicants must have all components of Texas Success Initiative satisfied before turning in VN application. If unsure if you are TSI complete please contact the WCJC registrar office to find out.
3. Application to the VN Program: Applicants must complete the VN Program application. Applicants must sign and return the application to the VN department at the main campus in Wharton.
4. Pre-Entrance Test: TEAS V (Test of Essential Academic Skills) with a minimum composite score of 60% and with a minimum of 60% in Reading section and taken within the last two years. Testing for TEAS V can be arranged at the following WCJC campuses: Wharton Campus 979-532-6386. Fort Bend Tech Center 281-239-1532, Sugar Land Campus 281-243-8434. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to arrange for and complete the required pre-entrance testing and submit a copy of their scores to the Vocational Nursing program.
5. Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended, including Wharton
County Junior College to the registrar’s office and VN program. Online copies of transcripts are acceptable for the VN program only. The Registrar’s office will not fax or send test scores or transcripts to the individual Allied Health Programs. The applicant must provide the VN program with copies of transcripts.
6. Completed Applicant Questionnaire: The applicant is required to respond to the questions on the Questionnaire Form.
7. Proof of Completion of Hepatitis B Vaccine: The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requires that all nursing students provide proof of completion of the Hepatitis B immunization series or provide proof of immunity to Hepatitis B before being allowed to administer patient care. Since students begin to administer patient care in November, it is required that all applicants provide proof of completion of at least the first two shots. This proof must accompany the application. The Hepatitis B vaccine is a series of three injections which takes 6 months to complete.
8. Proof of Current CPR Certification. Applicants must provide proof of current CPR certification by the American Heart Association in Healthcare Provider CPR. Any other CPR will not be accepted. 9. Conditions for Full Acceptance: Upon acceptance, all admissions to the VN program are contingent
upon the following:
completion of a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
providing a completed health data form and proof of immunizations, titer results, TB skin test results, and CPR certification to the specified online company by the specified date
showing proof of required immunizations (diphtheria-tetanus, Hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and flu)
documentation of annual TB skin test (positive results will require follow-up)
documentation of meningitis immunization (please see the WCJC website for information) Admission to the college does not ensure admission into the VN Program.
IT IS THE SOLE RESPONBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO REQUEST AND SECURE FROM THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE INFORMATION SUCH AS TEST SCORES AND TRANSCRIPTS WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE
Wharton County Junior College Vocational Nursing Program – Wharton
Application for Admission - Application Deadline is the last Thursday of March (Print in ink or type and fill in all sections)
1. Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________ (Last) (First) (Middle) (Maiden) 2. Date of Birth _______________________ 3. Social Security Number______________________________ 4. Address: _________________________________________________________________________________ (Mailing address) (City) (County) (State) (Zip)
5. Telephone – Home__________________________ 6. Telephone – Work_________________________ 7. Telephone – Cell ___________________________ 8. E-mail___________________________________ 9. Have you ever been enrolled in courses at WCJC? Yes No
10. Will you be enrolled in WCJC courses for spring? Yes No
11. Were you in the military? Yes No What Branch? _______________
12. Do you have previous experience/training in an Allied Health field? Yes No Which field? ______________ 13. Have you previously attended any nursing program? Yes No
If yes, complete the following and submit a letter of reference from the Head of that program:
Name of Nursing Program City, State Dates attended
14. Colleges/Universities Attended
Name of School/College City and State Dates Attended Major/Degree Earned
15. Other Educational Programs Attended/Completed
Name of Program/School City and State Dates Attended Course of Study
I CERTIFY that this application, the submitted transcripts and required test scores are complete and accurate. I understand that these documents are being used to make an academic decision regarding admission to the VN Program - Wharton. I understand that the inaccurate or omission of information will make me ineligible for admission to or progression through the VN Program – Wharton. I have also read and understand the conditions for full acceptance into the program.
Vocational Nursing Program Questionnaire Form
Applicant’s name: _________________________________ Date: __________________________ In two paragraphs, not more than 100 words each, and in your own handwriting:
Paragraph 1: Describe your perception of nursing responsibilities.
APPLICANT CHECKLIST FOR THE VN PROGRAM
This checklist is for your use. Do not include with your application.
Applicant Responsibility: It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to make sure all required paperwork and information is received in the Vocational Nursing Department before 5:00 p.m. on the last Thursday of March. Our office will not follow up on any information that is not in your file. Incomplete files will not be considered.
Must meet WCJC college requirements for admission TSI Complete
TEAS V composite score of 60% with a minimum of 60% in Reading. Test scores no older than two years
Completed application of admission to the Vocational Nursing program Completed Applicant Questionnaire
Copies of official transcripts sent to Registrar Office and copy to VN Program Proof of Current CPR certification.
AmericanHeart Association in Healthcare Provider CPR Proof of Completion of at least 2 of the Hepatitis B Vaccine
VN Program Estimated Expenses 1. Tuition and Fees
In district - $88/semester hour for 51 hours =$4543. Out of District - $139/semester hour for 51 hours = $7144. Out of State – $171/semester hour for 51 hours=$8776.
2. Pre-admission Testing $58.00
3. Pre acceptance criminal background check $125.00 4. Certified Profile (medical document online manager) $30.00
5. Skills Lab Supply Fee $125 Fall semester
6. Books $1500.00 (Around 75% of this amount is due the beginning of the first semester)
7. Student Liability Insurance $20.00
8. Student Incident Insurance $15.00
9. Supplies $550.00 (Stethoscope, bandage scissors, etc.) Student purchases
10. Uniform/scrubs, shoes, lab coat $200.00 Student purchases items.
11. Travel to clinical sites (parking, gas, mileage, meals) $500.00 – Varies depending on how far you reside from clinical site and price of gas.
12. Graduation Expenses: School Pin $15.00
13. NCLEX-PN Examination Fee $200.00 Registration Fee
Estimated Total In district - $7881 Out of District - $10482
Important Information Regarding Criminal Background Checks and Requirements for Initial VN Licensure by NCLEX-PN Examination
Upon acceptance into the VN Program at Wharton, students will be required to complete a criminal
background check and a drug screen with a company specified by Wharton County Junior College. If there is something in the background check that cannot be resolved quickly, the student will have to reapply to the nursing program after the problem has been resolved. A student with a positive criminal background screen is eligible to be considered for full acceptance and enrollment in the nursing program if: 1) the student has previously submitted a Declaratory Order to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) and 2) received BON verification of eligibility for future licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. A student may not attend class
or clinicals without a copy of a blue card, operations outcome letter, enforcement outcome letter, or eligibility order from the Texas Board of Nursing on file with the Vocational Nursing program before the
beginning date of the Fall semester. The criminal background check and drug screen will be at the student’s
expense. The estimated cost of the criminal background check is $125.00. The estimated cost of the drug screen is $54.00.
All individuals seeking licensure as a vocational nurse in the state of Texas must submit to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), a set of fingerprints for the purpose of obtaining a criminal history from the Texas
Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If the background screen is positive, the applicant will be notified by the BON. The BON will supply instructions to the applicant on additional necessary steps.
If you answer yes to any of the eligibility questions listed below, you should gather any court documents related to the issue and await instructions from the BON.
BON Eligibility Questions
1. Have you ever been convicted, placed on community supervision whether or not adjudicated guilty, sentenced to serve jail or prison time or granted pre-trial diversion, or plead guilty, no contest or nolo contendere to any crime in any state, territory or country, or received a court order whether or not a sentence was imposed, including any pending criminal charges or unresolved arrests whether or not on appeal (excluding minor Class C traffic violations)? This includes expunged offenses and deferred adjudications with or without a finding of guilt. Please note that DUIs, DWIs, and PIs must be reported and are not considered minor traffic violations. One time minor in possession [MIP] or minor in
consumption [MIC] does not need to be disclosed; therefore, you may answer "No." If you have two or more MIPs or MICs, you must answer "Yes." You may answer "No" if you have previously disclosed a criminal matter otherwise responsive to this question in a renewal and/or licensure form.
2. Do you have any criminal charges pending, including unresolved arrests?
3. Has any licensing authority refused to issue you a license or ever revoked, annulled, cancelled,
accepted surrender of, suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew a license, certificate or multi-state privilege held by you now or previously, or ever fined, censured, reprimanded or otherwise disciplined you?
4. Within the past five (5) years have you been addicted to and/or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug?*
5. Within the past five (5) years have you been diagnosed with, treated, or hospitalized for schizophrenia and/or psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder?*
* If you are licensed as an LVN in the State of Texas and are currently participating in the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses you may answer “NO” to questions #4 and #5.
BOARD OF NURSE EXAMINERS FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS 333 Guadalupe, Ste 3-460
Austin, Texas 78767-0430 512-305-6818
Wharton County Junior College-Vocational Nursing Program - Wharton Policy on Essential Performance Standards and Activities for VN Students
The following performance standards and activities have been identified as essential for successful admission,
progression and completion of the Wharton VN program. Students with a diagnosed disability who are unable to meet the standards are advised to contact the ADA coordinator prior to program admission.
Performance Standard Essential Activity/Tasks
(Examples are not all inclusive) Critical Thinking Critical thinking ability sufficient for
clinical decision making.
Solve problems and make valid, rational decisions using logic, creativity, and reasoning
Analyze and use assessment findings to plan care for clients and families
Identify priorities of care based on analysis of data Evaluate the plan of care and revise as appropriate Communication Communication abilities sufficient for
interaction with others in verbal, nonverbal, and written form.
Speak English in such manner to be understood by general public Communicate effectively in verbal and written form by speaking clearly and succinctly when explaining treatment procedures, describing patient conditions, and implementing health teaching for clients and / or families based on assessed needs, available resources, age, life style and cultural considerations
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
Establish rapport (relationship) with clients and colleagues through speech, touch, and hearing
Work effectively in small groups as team members and as a team leader
Function safely under stressful conditions with the ability to adapt to ever-changing environments inherent in clinical situations involving client care
Motor Skills Gross and fine motor skills sufficient to provide nursing care in a safe and accurate manner.
Manual dexterity to maintain sterile technique when performing sterile procedures such as insertion of a catheter
Manual dexterity to perform all steps required for medication administration (IV, PO, IM, etc)
Be able to use a computer keyboard Hearing Hearing ability sufficient to monitor,
assess, and provide safe nursing care.
Be able to hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, call bells, and to answer telephones
Distinguish changes in tone and pitch such as when using a stethoscope to hear a blood pressure, heart, lung, vascular, and abdominal sounds
Vision Visual ability sufficient to monitor, assess, and provide safe nursing care.
Distinguish alterations in normal body activities such as absence of respiratory movement
Identify changes in color, size and symmetry of body parts, such as development of cyanosis
Read fine, small print on medication containers, physician’s orders, monitors, thermometers, measuring cups, and equipment calibrations
Visualize written words and a computer screen Mobility Physical abilities to move from
room-to-room or maneuver in limited spaces, and to accommodate stairwell when necessary.
Perform physical activities necessary to do basic nursing skills such as putting on sterile gloves, performing health assessments Provide or assist with activities of daily living such as bed bath, oral hygiene, ambulation, and positioning
Transport and transfer patients using equipment such as stretchers, wheelchairs, walkers, and commode chairs Respond quickly in an emergency
Physical ability to stand for prolonged periods of time, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, lift patients and objects of 50 lbs. or more
Tactile Tactile ability sufficient to monitor, assess, and provide safe nursing care.
Palpate for pulses, temperature, texture hardness or softness, landmarks, etc
Accountability and
Responsibility
Demonstrate accountability and responsibility in all aspects of nursing practice.
Be able to distinguish right from wrong, legal from illegal and to act accordingly
Accept responsibility for own actions
Be able to comprehend ethical standards and agree to abide by them
